Vol. 537 No. 5
201 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Defence the plans he has to recruit people for the Army bands; the recruitment which has taken place over the past five years; the number of band members who have left in the past five years; if they were replaced; the total number of people employed in Army bands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16897/01]
A competition for the ongoing recruitment of instrumentalists to the Defence Forces' school of music was advertised at the end of last year. Arising from this competition five applicants who were found suitable were enlisted in the Defence Forces on 23 April 2001 of which one was subsequently discharged. At present applications from a further two suitable candidates are also being processed.
The current strength of the Defence Forces school of music is 118 all ranks. Since 1996 a total of 32 personnel have left the Army bands. Applications are still being accepted for the current competition and consideration will be given to re-advertising the competition later in the year.
